196 SEVENTH REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



In setting the tree two men are required. One is needed to hold the tree 

 upright ; the other will be fully occupied shoveling in the earth and then working it 

 with his hands under and closely around the roots and fibrous branches. The earth 

 must be thrown in slowly and in small quantities at a time; as fast as thrown in it 

 should be rammed or trodden down until there can be no air spaces, and until every 

 rootlet is brought in close contact with the soil. No water should be used ; it is not 

 necessary. If dashed into the hole, as sometimes done, it is apt to wash the earth 

 away from the roots in places, leaving air holes. If water is used it is better to 

 sprinkle the sides and bottom of the hole before planting; also the surface of the 

 ground after the work is done. Frequent and thorough ramming is necessary. 

 Young trees that have wilted and seem to be dying have been restored quickly to 

 life and vigor by using heavy rammers that brought the loose earth in contact with 

 the roots again. 



In addition to a rich soil it is highly essential that there should be a good 

 drainage. Moisture is beneficial ; but if water collects around the roots the tree 

 will die. Clay is impervious to water, and if a stratum of this soil is found near the 

 bottom of the hole, drainage must be provided by digging a passage through it, 

 building a stone drain, or sinking a very deep hole which can be filled to a proper 

 height with broken rock, gravel, or ashes. 



A tree should be set at the same depth that it formerly occupied ; but when the 

 hole has been filled the surface may be rounded up sufficiently to allow for the 

 settling of the earth. If exposed to strong winds the young tree should be 

 " staked," and fastened to the stakes by strips of cloth or any appliance that will 

 not injure the bark. In setting out a forest tree it may be well to place it in the 

 same position as to points of compass which it originally occupied. A cloudy day 

 is better for planting than one when the sun shines clear and hot. 



After the tree is planted the ground should be covered with a mulch, three or 

 four inches deep, of straw, hay, or manure. The latter will serve, also, as a fertilizer. 

 If nothing else is done, the loose stones that came out of the hole can be thrown 

 back on the ground to keep it moist. For a few years the surface of the ground 

 around the tree should be loosened each season to prevent it from becoming dry 

 and hard. Grass and weeds should be kept out, as they weaken the growth of the 

 young trees. 



Although spring is the better time for transplanting, it may be desirable under 

 some circumstances where nursery trees are used to order them in the fall, and then 

 heel them in until spring. " Heeling in " is temporary planting in a trench, or 

 merely placing them in the ground and covering the roots with a thick layer of 



